Tracy Tornado memorial to be revealed during Box Car Days

August 30, 2013

It's a mix of community traditions, new attractions, food and activities for all ages. One thing is for certain about Box Car Days, Missie Erbes said. "You will not get bored."

Erbes, director of the Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce, said organizers for this year's Box Car Days are hoping for good weather and good crowds to come out and enjoy it. On the schedule this year are plenty of old favorites, as well as some new and special events.

One of the events being planned goes beyond special, to being historic for Tracy. In commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the F-5 tornado that struck the town in 1968, a new stone memorial will be dedicated along U.S. Highway 14 on Monday morning. A group of Tracy area residents has been raising money for the monument, which will stand by the "Tornado Tree" sculpture remembering the tornado. The monument will include the names of the nine people who lost their lives in the event.

After months of anticipation, Erbes said, "It will be great to see" the new monument.

Some new Box Car Days events will help kick off the weekend tonight and Saturday morning. For the first time, Erbes said, the bingo stand will be open today.

"It tends to be a very good draw," attracting many different people and families, she said. Another new feature will be the "Kegs and Eggs" breakfast Saturday morning at the beer tent. Erbes said the breakfast will feature scrambled eggs and sausage and won't be an adults-only event. Erbes said the name of the event will hopefully get some laughs, or get visitors thinking back on their college days.

Lots of old favorites like the Box Car Days carnival and the grand parade on Monday will be returning, Erbes said. On Sunday night, a Tracy tradition will continue, with the Miss Tracy Scholarship Program. A total of 10 contestants will share their talents in hopes of being named Miss Tracy for 2014.

Musical entertainment will also be a big part of Box Car Days. The Box Car Grammies will be returning to the festival tonight, Erbes said. A group of 12 qualifying contestants from events held earlier this year will compete for cash prizes. And on Saturday night, Hicktown Mafia will provide the rock and country soundtrack to the Box Car Days street dance.

"We're very excited to have them back. It's a good mixture of music," she said.